Thanjavur: Sudha is a Thirunangai (transgender). A resident of Neikuppai in Thiruppanandal taluk, she underwent all types of humiliation and suffering a Thirunangai would face in society in the early days. But her determination to prove her worth as a person who is equal to men and women and that there is no disadvantage in being a transgender, has made her a worksite supervisor in the MGNREGS in Thiruppanandal block in Thanjavur district.
“I suffered a lot because of being a transgender. My father, Mahalinam, an ex-serviceman, also died early. I live with my family - my mother and brother, who is married. I wanted to come up in life and earn a respect for myself. Luckily, I was included as member-card-holder in MGNREGS and was given work and wages. After seeing my sincerity, officials now made me a worksite supervisor in the programme. Now I manage 100 to 200 persons and make them accountable in work; maintain registers, plan work for them and give them. I am happy now,” Sudha said.
She is the only transgender who is working under MGNREGS in Thanjavur district. A BA. in Tamil, Sudha wanted to work as a teacher in a school. But she could not get a teacher’s job. But she could get this work.
She got one scooty under the Chief Minister’s scheme for providing two-wheelers to working women.
“Government gave a subsidy of '25,000 for purchasing a two-wheeler. I put the rest of money for purchasing '85,000 worth two-wheeler. The money I saved is from wages I got under MGNREGS,” she said.
Syed Sultan Magdum, assistant project officer, DRDA, and S. Suriyanarayanan, block development officer, Thanjavur said that Sudha has been a good supervisor. She is paid Rs 210 per day as wage for her supervising work. But Sudha has a demand. She will be happy if she is paid a regular salary.” That will help me to eke out my livelihood and help my family, particularly my mother,” she sighs.
